Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Institutional Training in Many Lands

Not only in the South were institutions called for, for the education of workers; centers of training were to be established in many lands,—in “England, Australia, Germany, and Scandinavia, and other Continental countries as the work advances.” LS 382.3

“In these countries,” Mrs. White pointed out, “the Lord has able workmen, laborers of experience. These can lead out in the establishment of institutions, the training of workers, and the carrying forward of the work in its different lines. God designs that they shall be furnished with means and facilities. The institutions established would give character to the work in these countries, and would give opportunity for the training of workers for the darker heathen nations. In this way the efficiency of our experienced workers would be multiplied a hundredfold.” Testimonies for the Church 6:25. LS 383.1

While broad foundations were to be laid in lands whence many workers might quickly be prepared to go forth to the ends of the earth, the less favored regions were not to be neglected. In this connection Mrs. White wrote: “The cry comes from far-off countries, ‘Come over and help us.’ These are not so easily reached, and not so ready for the harvest, as are the fields more nearly within our sight; but they must not be neglected.” Testimonies for the Church 6:27. LS 383.2

It was her great desire to see the message of present truth proclaimed in every land, that led Mrs. White during the 1901 General Conference to outline very clearly God's purpose in building up the work along broad lines in the favored regions of the earth. It was her desire to see the message proclaimed in heathen lands, that led her to urge the establishment of institutional training centers in Great Britain, and on the Continent of Europe, as well as in Australia and in the Southern States of America. She pointed out the folly of restricting the work in such places. LS 383.3

“Let us not forget the English-speaking countries,” she pleaded, “where, if the truth were presented, many would receive and practise it. London has been presented to me again and again as a place in which a great work is to be done.... Why have not workers been sent there, men and women who could have planned for the advancement of the work? LS 384.1